What’s On This Summer Across Kirklees

Welcome to your summer holiday guide!

Looking for things to do this summer? You’ve come to the right place! The On Our Doorstep Summer Holiday Guide is packed with fun events, activities and places to explore across Kirklees.

Free and low-cost ideas for family fun

Yorkshire Day Celebration at Oakwell Hall

Our Yorkshire Day celebration is returning to Oakwell Hall in 2026, bigger, better, and as popular as ever!

Join us for a free, fun filled, family friendly celebration of everything that makes our corner of Yorkshire wonderful. Expect live music, a bustling Yorkshire makers market, children’s activities and workshops, fantastic local food and drink, and plenty more throughout the day.

(We know the official Yorkshire Day is on Saturday 1 August, but we think the celebrations deserve to carry on all weekend!)

When: Sunday 2 August 2026, 11:00am- 6:00pm

Where: Oakwell Hall

Cost: Free

Where have all the butterflies gone? 🦋

Butterflies need your help!

Did you know that fewer butterflies are being spotted across the UK? You can become a butterfly detective and help find out where they are by taking part in the Big Butterfly Count.

Head outside and explore your local area. Spend some time counting the butterflies you see, then share your results to help learn more about the health of our environment.

It’s free, fun and a great excuse to enjoy the sunshine while discovering the amazing wildlife right on your doorstep.

50 things to do before you’re 5

Looking for fun, low-cost adventures with your little one? 50 Things to Do Before You’re 5 is packed with exciting activities designed to help children learn, play and make happy memories along the way. From splashing in puddles and blowing bubbles to exploring local woods, visiting museums and discovering nature, there’s something for every young adventurer.

The app features 50 simple activities that support children’s learning and development through play, helping them build confidence, curiosity and communication skills while having lots of fun. Activities can be enjoyed at home, outdoors or out and about across Kirklees, and most are free or low cost.

Why not see how many activities you can tick off this summer? You could explore a local park, go on a bug hunt, enjoy a woodland walk, visit a library, dress up, laugh together or make a splash by a river or canal. Every adventure is a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Download the 50 Things to Do Before You’re 5 app, choose Kirklees, and start your family’s next adventure today!

Visit a park this summer 🌳

Looking for a free, fun day out this summer? Why not visit one of Kirklees’ amazing parks? There are lots of green spaces across the area where children can run, play and explore.

Kirklees School’s Out!

This summer there are thousands of funded places available for children and young people that are eligible for benefits related free school meals at over 120 venues in Kirklees. Kirklees School’s Out! is funded by the Department for Education and offers eligible children and young people 4 hours of enrichment activity and a healthy nutritious meal. There are also low-cost places available for non-eligible children at most sessions. We have some funded activities that are for SEND children and young people only, together with encouraging access to the wider programme.

Full details of the activities can be found here – www.schoolsoutkirklees.co.uk

To book a place, please contact the provider directly to enquire about availability and suitability of the activity for your child. Please contact haf@kirklees.gov.uk for any support or further information.

Celebrate World Bog Day (25 July) with The Great Bog Weekend at the National
Trust’s Marsden Moor Estate

Marsden Moor Estate is thrilled to invite the community to a special celebration of World Bog Day on the last weekend of July. This free event will include a range of activities for all ages, providing a unique opportunity to learn about and enjoy the moorland.
Event Highlights:

• Bogtastic Van: Don’t miss the world’s first bog in a van! The Bogtastic Van from
  Moors for the Future is equipped with artwork, sound, and a spongy floor to
  replicate the moorland experience.
• Guided walk: At 10.30, join our walk leaders for a special Bog Day walk and
  picnic. Find out about the National Trust’s ongoing work restoring the peatland –
  helped by a metal curlew sculpture.
• Sphagnum nursery: Take tours of our sphagnum nursery and learn about this
  magical moss and its role in moorland restoration.
• Moorland Themed Games and storytelling: Enjoy fun and engaging games that
  highlight the unique features and wildlife of the moorland. Enjoy themed
  colouring sheets and puzzles.
• Peat cores: See real peat cores that are millennia old and learn more about what
  they can tell us about the South Pennines through the ages.
• Information Room: Explore our information room, packed with fascinating
  displays and videos about Marsden moor and its conservation.

Dates & Times:
July 25: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Admission: The event is free, but donations towards conservation of the moor
are very welcome.

Suitability: Children and dogs on lead are welcome.

Meeting Point: Marsden Moor Office, HD7 6DH

Accessibility: While the Bogtastic Van has steep steps, the information room is
fully accessible.

Contact for the event: Marsden Moor Estate Office
Phone: 01484 847016
Email: marsdenmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk

For more details about opening times, events and activities taking place at Marsden
Moor, visit: Events at Marsden Moor

Go Active at Oakwell Hall

Go active is coming to Oakwell Hall on Sunday 16 August. Come along for family-friendly summer fun. All activities are free and all ages and abilities are welcome!

Main activities include:
• A children’s bike park with Little Bikers
• Bring your bike along for a free check and minor repairs with Dr Bike
• Electric bike rides for adults

Experienced coaches will be on hand to help children learn to ride and to help build their confidence on balance bikes and pedal bikes.

When: 16 August 2026, 10:30am – 3:00pm

Cost: All activities are free.

Go Active at Greenhead Park

22/08/2026, 10:30 – 15:00

Go active is coming to Greenhead Park on Saturday 22 August. Come along for family-friendly summer fun. All activities are free and all ages and abilities are welcome!

Main activities include:

• A children’s bike park with Little Bikers
• Bring your bike along for a free check and minor repairs with Dr Bike.
• Guided nature walks
• Electric bike rides for adults
• Upcycling sewing workshop

Experienced coaches will be on hand to help children learn to ride and to help build their confidence on balance bikes and pedal bikes.

When: 22 August 2026, 10:30am– 3:00pm

Cost: All activities are free

Go Active at Crow Nest Park

Go active is coming to Oakwell Hall on Sunday 23 August. Come along for family-friendly summer fun. All activities are free and all ages and abilities are welcome!

Main activities include:
• A children’s bike park with Little Bikers
• Bring your bike along for a free check and minor repairs with Dr Bike.
• Guided nature walks
• Electric bike rides for adults

Experienced coaches will be on hand to help children learn to ride and to help build their confidence on balance bikes and pedal bikes.

When: 23 August 2026, 10:30am – 3:00pm

Cost: All activities are free.

Under 16s can travel for free by bus this August! 🚌

For any 5–15-year-olds, simply ask the driver for a child ticket and enjoy the ride.  

Discover more things to do in Kirklees

Looking for even more fun this summer?

From family events and outdoor adventures to arts, culture and free activities, there’s always something happening across Kirklees.

Visit Creative Kirklees to explore what’s on near you and discover new ways to have fun with family and friends.

Whether you’re looking for a day out, a creative activity or a local event, there’s something for everyone to enjoy right on your doorstep!

Explore Kirklees’ museums and galleries

Oakwell Hall

Art on Your Doorstep: Family Trail

Explore Oakwell Hall Country Park like never before with our special Family Trail, created for the National Gallery’s Art on Your Doorstep project!

Pick up your trail booklet from the Visitor Centre and set off on an adventure filled with creative challenges, curious clues, and hands‑on activities. Perfect for families of all ages, the trail encourages young explorers (and their grown‑ups!) to look closer, think creatively, and enjoy the beautiful park together.

Trail booklets available from the Visitor Centre.

When: Ongoing until September 2026

Cost: Free (donations welcomed)

Bloomberg Connects: Art on Your Doorstep Digital Trail & Audio Guide 

Discover Oakwell Hall Country Park in a whole new way with our Art on Your Doorstep digital trail, created for the National Gallery Art on Your Doorstep.

Follow the trail on your device to find 14 National Gallery paintings across the Country Park, enjoy specially recorded audio descriptions which encourage closer looking, and sparks the imagination of visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re exploring with family or enjoying a solo stroll, the digital trail offers a fresh, interactive way to experience the exhibition.

Start the trail by opening Oakwell Hall on Bloomberg Connects.

When: Ongoing until September 2026

Healing Heritage: Family Trail

Discover the secret magic of Oakwell Hall and Gardens. This family friendly trail reveals the ways people who lived here used traditional remedies for protection and good health. Look out for mysterious burn marks, healing herbs and witch balls as you uncover hidden stories.

Pick up your trail booklet from the Hall. Perfect for families of all ages (and their grown‑ups!).

Trail booklets available from the Visitor Centre (free, donations welcomed).

When: Launching 18 July 2026

Yorkshire Day

Join us for your annual celebration of Yorkshire Day at Oakwell Hall! 

What to expect this year just like last year, there’ll be:

– A stage with artists performing throughout the day

– Accessible entertainment for all ages

– A delicious Yorkshire food and drink offer

– A bustling market full of fantastic local makers

– Interactive workshops for all to enjoy

-The return of the new Nature and Play Field

This year, the event opening hours are extended to 11am – 6pm! 

When: Sunday 2 August, 11am – 6pm

Art on Your Doorstep: Family Art Club at Oakwell Hall

Bring the National Gallery to life with these fun, hands-on art workshops inspired by paintings in the Art on Your Doorstep exhibition. 

Children will explore famous paintings, learn simple techniques used by well‑known artists, and create their own artwork using a variety of materials. Sessions are practical, creative and designed to encourage observation, imagination and confidence.

When: Thursdays in August: 6, 13, 20 & 27

Sessions: 11am – 12 noon and 1pm – 2pm

Mini Professors: Exploring the Worlds of Joseph Priestley & Joseph Wright of Derby

Join us for a fun, hands-on Mini Professors workshop where we dive into the remarkable worlds of scientist Joseph Priestley and painter Joseph Wright of Derby. 

Children will explore science, art, and discovery through engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Perfect for families with children aged 5–12.

Come ready to experiment, create, and learn!

Children must be accompanied at all times. Please book a ticket for your child and accompanying adults.

When: Tuesday 25 August, 11:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Makers Market

A charming late-summer market accompanying our Croquet on the Lawn event. Featuring:

• Heritage-inspired crafts

• Nostalgic summer goods

• Locally produced preserves, bakes, and artisan foods

• Handmade textiles, jewellery, and traditional craftwork

A refined, leisurely setting perfect for traders specialising in quality craftsmanship.

When: Sunday 30 August, 10am – 4pm

The Friends of Oakwell Hall Croquet on the Lawn

Join the Friends of Oakwell Hall for a delightful afternoon of Croquet on the Lawn. Enjoy a relaxed, traditional game in the beautiful historic grounds, perfect for families, beginners and seasoned players alike.

When: Sunday 30 August 11am – 3pm

Tolson Museum

Louise’s Art Workshop – Mono-printing

Using simple designs and objects from nature, Louise will guide participants through two practice prints and one final print, using a combination of simple mono-printing techniques. No drawing or art skills required! All that is needed is a willingness to have a go and an apron!

Length of workshop: 2.5 hours including a 20 min break

Ages: 12 years and upwards (under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult)

When: Saturday 20 June, 13:30 – 16:00

Cost: £24.00 each. Discount: £44.00 for two tickets saving £4.00

Louise’s Art Workshop – Tiffany landscapes silk painting

Explore the luminous colours of a Tiffany-style stained glass landscape while discovering the calming craft of silk painting. This hands-on workshop shows you how to achieve soft, watercolour-like effects using silk paints across two landscapes created by artist Louise Grassby, drawing on early 20th-century Tiffany designs.

Spaces are limited, so book early. No drawing experience needed—just a willingness to give it a try!

Length of workshop: 2.5 hours including a 20 min break

Ages: 12 years and upwards (under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult)

Bagshaw Museum

Children’s Prize Trails 

Throughout the year

During opening hours

£1 per trail Includes certificate and prize!

Ages 3+

Do you love learning cool new facts, hunting for clues, earning certificates and winning prizes? If the answer is YES!!! then make sure you get involved with our ever-changing children’s prize trails.

Lego Club

First weekend of every month

During opening hours

Pay as you feel

Think Lego is awesome? Guess what? So do we! Kickstart your builds with our totally bricktastic monthly Lego Club. Duplo available for our younger builders too.

Summer build themes – Travel and Exploration!

Kirklees school summer holidays – Paid Children’s Crafts

Every Tuesday during the Kirklees school summer holidays. 21 and 28 July, 4, 11, 18 and 25 August

10:00-12:00 and 13:00-15:00, Drop in

£4 per child, Ages 3+

Get involved and follow in the footsteps of Walter Bagsahw (our first curator), who travelled the world and brought back amazing treasures to display at the Museum!

We’re making loads of cool things Inspired by Walters travels including…

Seaside – 21 and 28 July: Make a fossil clay tile, a traditional seaside pinwheel windmill or a rockpool sea creature game

Egypt – 4 and 11 August: Make Egyptian dominoes, coffee cup canopic jars, or an Egyptian cat

South Asian – 18 and 25 August: Make a South Asian inspired mirror, an awesome sunset collage, or decorate a tote bag

Colouring for our younger crafters

Kirklees school summer holidays – pay as you feel children’s crafts

Throughout the Kirklees school summer holidays. Saturday 21 July to Monday 31 August

During opening hours, Drop in

Pay as you feel, Ages 3+

This summer we’re all about travel and exploration so lets pack our suitcase and explore the world, and make lots of fun crafts along the way!

Seaside: Traditional paper glider

Egypt: Egyptian masks

South Asian: Hanging spirals

Kirklees school summer holidays – children’s art mural 

Throughout the Kirklees school summer holidays. Saturday 21 July to Monday 31 August

During opening hours, Drop in

Pay as you feel

We hope you’ve got the travel bug as the theme for our summer Art Mural is Travel and Exploration! Get involved and lets make this summer’s mural our biggest and best ever!

Discover exciting activities at Kirklees Libraries

Library Adventures

The latest Library Adventures is out now! This issue is all about “Going All In” as we celebrate the National Year of Reading, and it’s dedicated to the wonderful world of non-fiction!

Our summer edition is bursting with fun, facts and fantastic activities. It’s so packed, we’re not sure how we managed to close the cover!

Inside you’ll discover:

• Dangerous Animals
• Doodle Bugs
• Extreme Weather Trail
• Monster Machines
• Reading Quest
• Cooking
• Sport
• K-Pop
• Plus, all your favourite regular features:
• Daily Giggle
• Green Guardian
• Wild Reading
• Brix & Blox

There’s something for everyone this summer and autumn, and we can’t wait for you to dive in!

Pick up your free copy from any Kirklees Library – and don’t forget to collect all the stickers!

Storytrails

Taking the Long Way Home, written by Jake Hope and illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. Adventure into summer with our fun storytrail!

Normally Zarah and her brother are collected from school by her dad, who rushes them home taking every shortcut. But today Uncle Jerome is collecting them, and his imagination and sense of fun soon transport the children into an exotic world of wild adventure. Search for the energetic illustrations by Brian Fitzgerald and use your five senses to conjure up a world of play and imagination.

Recommended for families with children up to age 8. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

• 22 July Meltham Library 10.30 (please book ticket for each participating child). Refreshments and craft activity at the library after the walk.
• 23 July Shepley Library 10.00-1.00 and 2.00-5.00. Drop in; booking not essential but advised.
• 28 July Greenhead Park 12.00-4.00. Drop in; booking not essential but advised. Find us in the Bandstand!
• 29 July Skelmanthorpe Library 2.30-4.30. Drop in; booking not essential but advised.
• 5 August Beaumont Park 11.00-3.00, part of Play Day celebrations. Drop in; booking not essential but advised.
• 5 August Crow Nest Park 12.00-2.00, part of Play Day celebrations. Drop in; booking not essential but advised.
• 6 August Cleckheaton Library 2.00-5.00. Drop in; booking not essential but advised.
• 10 August Wilton Park 12.00-4.00. Drop in; booking not essential but advised. Find us near the café!
• 12 August Slaithwaite Library 10.30 (please book ticket for each participating child). Refreshments and craft activity at the library after the walk.
• 17 August Batley Library 11.00-3.00. Drop in; booking not essential but advised.
• 18 August Cleckheaton Library 10.30-12.30. Drop in; please book a ticket for each participating child.
• 19 August Birstall Library 11.00-4.00. Drop in; booking not essential but advised.

Thread mode

Summer sewing activities for 12-16 year olds. Get creative – try out different fabrics, 3D ideas, and fun decorations. Build your skills and confidence – learn how to measure, cut, sew and finish your own clothes. £5 per session, book your place via Ticketsource.

• 30 July Dewsbury Library Hub (Makerspace) 1.00-3.00 Make a tote bag. Measure/cut fabric. Straight seams and decorative stitching.
• 6 August Dewsbury Library Hub (Makerspace) 1.00-3.00 Remix your clothes. Upcycle old denim/t-shirts. Customise with patches or embroidery.
• 13 August Dewsbury Library Hub (Makerspace) 1.00-3.00. Soft accessories. Make scrunchies, small cushions or zip bags.
• 20 August Dewsbury Library Hub (Makerspace) 1.00-3.00. Digital stitch. Design badges, combine sewing and embroidery to create personalised items.

Batley Library

Summer Events at Batley Library – Run by The Friends of Batley Library.

All bookings to be made by contacting Batley Library

• Thursday 30 July – Strawberries & Storms  – Decorate a pot plant and plant a strawberry, looking at a weather wheel and discussing how weather affects our strawberry. Making a book mark with storm and strawberry pictures. 2-4pm
• Thursday 6 August – 3D cards – incorporating sport – Cutting out images and putting them together to create a 3D effect  use templates in library adventures book of shirt and shorts to design your own sport kit. 2-4pm
• Thursday 13 August – Shabang theatre company – 10:30am and 2pm – Rag and Bones Open House – Stories and songs with general junk from their old cart
• Thursday 20 August – The Owls are coming back, look out for more information on The Friends of Batley Library Facebook page or posters in Batley Library. All bookings must be made by contacting Batley Library.
• Thursday 27 August – Disappearing Pictures – K-pop/music – using library adventures to design a picture/logo for their K-pop or other type of music band – 2-4pm

Holmfirth Library

Catherine Barr in Holmfirth Library

Author of 35 non-fiction picture books is visiting Holmfirth Library.

Share an audience with her on Monday 3 August 2 -3pm

Meltham Library

Wednesday 5 August – 1.30 – 3pm

Mobile Police Museum makes a stop in Meltham

Learn about policing and how it has changed over the last 120 years. Touch feel and see up close the equipment of years gone by.

Open to 6-11 year olds, book at the library or call PAM on 07761 393502

Kirkburton Library

Throughout the summer holidays, Kirkburton Library is running a range of free, family-friendly activities for children and young people. Visitors can also take part in Library Adventures, collecting stickers as they complete reading challenges. Library Adventures packs can be picked up at any Kirklees library.

Drop-in Crafts and Activities

When: Every Monday during the summer holidays
Cost: Free, drop-in

Join Kirkburton Library for creative crafts and activities each Monday afternoon. No booking is required – simply drop in, take part, and collect Library Adventures stickers while you’re there.

Rhymetime

When: Every Wednesday
Time: 10:30am–11:00am

LEGO Club

When: Every Saturday
Time: 11:00am–12:00pm

Get creative with bricks at the library’s weekly LEGO Club. Children can build, design and explore their imagination in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Woven Hangings

Date: Monday 21 July
Time: 2:00pm–4:00pm
Cost: Free, drop-in

Story Trail

Date: Monday 28 July
Time: 2:00pm–4:00pm
Cost: Free, drop-in

Insect Doodles – Part 1

Date: Friday 1 August
Time: 2:00pm–4:00pm
Cost: Free, drop-in

Insect Doodles – Part 2

Date: Monday 25 August
Time: 2:00pm–4:00pm
Cost: Free, drop-in

In addition to the summer programme, visitors can enjoy the library’s wide selection of books, board games and puzzles whenever the library is open. For more information, contact Kirkburton Library on 01484 414868 or email kirkburton.lic@kirklees.gov.uk.

Denby Dale Library

LEGO Club

Date: Every Tuesday
Time: 10:30am–12:30pm

Kids’ Crafts

Dates: Friday 31 July, Friday 14 August and Friday 28 August
Time: 10:30am–12:30pm

Age Range: 4–10 years

Skelmanthorpe Library

LEGO Club

When: Every Friday during the Summer Holidays
Time: 10:30am–12:30pm

Children’s Games

Dates: Wednesday 22 July, Wednesday 5 August and Wednesday 19 August
Time: 2:30pm–4:30pm

Story Trail and Crafts

Date: Wednesday 29 July
Time: 2:30pm–4:30pm

Children’s Crafts

Dates: Wednesday 12 August and Wednesday 26 August
Time: 2:30pm–4:30pm

All welcome and refreshments will be provided.

Shepley Library

World Cup Football Activities

Date: Saturday 18 July
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm

Story Trail and Crafts

Date: Thursday 23 July
Times: 10:00am–1:00pm and 2:00pm–5:00pm

Yorkshire Day Activities

Date: Saturday 1 August
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm

Summer Crafts and Library Trail

Date: Thursday 20 August
Times: 10:00am–1:00pm and 2:00pm–5:00pm

No need to book, just drop in!

Find out what’s happening at Cliffe House

Garden Party at Cliffe House 🌼

Looking for a fun family day out this summer? Head to the Friends of Cliffe House Garden Party and enjoy a day packed with activities for all ages.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• live music
• tasty food stalls
• family nature trail
• dogs welcome
• plus, be among the first to explore the new adventure playground, giving children even more opportunities to climb, play and go on their own outdoor adventures.

When: Saturday 25 July 2026, 11am to 3pm

Where: Cliffe House, 140 Lane Head Road, Huddersfield, HD8 8DB.

Cost: The event is free to attend

Bring a picnic blanket, enjoy the entertainment, explore the beautiful grounds and check out the exciting new playground. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer day with family and friends!

Family Nature Trail

Get outdoors and enjoy our fun family nature trail around the grounds of Cliffe House. The trail is family and buggy friendly, something the whole family can enjoy. When you have collected all the clues return to the main house to collect your prize (1 prize per paid trail sheet)

Dates: Monday 27 July – Friday 28 August 2026 (excludes weekends)
When booking your ticket, Select your respective day, the time frame reads 10.00, but you are able to attend anytime between 10.00am – 4.00pm on that day.
Age: Open to all ages

Pond dipping

Enjoy exploring the ponds in the grounds of Cliffe House, looking out for minibeasts, bugs, and all kinds of pond life, all while learning about the environment.

Dates: Wednesdays 5, 12, 19 & 26 August 2026
Duration: 60 min session
Cost: £5.00 per person + booking fee (you only need to purchase a ticket if participating in the activity)
Age: 3yrs+

Archery

Join our activity instructors in learning how to draw the arrow, balance the bow & fire at a distance target – Challenge your family members as to who can score the greatest points. All under cover so no need to worry about damp conditions.

Dates: Fridays 7, 14, 21 & 28 August
Duration: 60 min session
Cost: £8.00 per person + booking fee (you only need to purchase a ticket if participating in the activity)
Age: 6yrs+